Indus water tussle heats up between India and Pakistan

New Delhi said that it will not be party to a court of arbitration process on Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the meeting on Indus Water Treaty in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI Photo)

In what could turn out to be another tussle on the water front between India and Pakistan, New Delhi on Thursday said that it will not be party to a court of arbitration process on Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects.

The World Bank had brokered the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960.

India sought for neutral experts looking into the technical difference over the projects between the two countries while Pakistan asked for a court of arbitration.

The World Bank decided to proceed with both steps, and India says the move is not in accordance with the treaty, under which the World Bank has a role in resolving the differences between the two countries.

“Inexplicably, the World Bank has decided to continue to proceed with these two parallel mechanisms simultaneously. India cannot be party to actions which are not in accordance with the Indus Waters Treaty,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He said the government will examine further options and take steps accordingly.

India’s objection stems from its concern that the sequence in the dispute resolution is not followed.